Olita Gantt

Olita Merle Gibson Gantt, 82 of Folkston passed away January12, 2014 in Community Hospice St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Jacksonville, Florida, after an extended illness. She was born in Folkston on October 6, 1931 to William Elvie and Lena Mae Raynor Gibson. She Graduated from Charlton County High school and attended Beautician School.  Merle worked as a hairdresser until her marriage to James (Jim) Adrian Gantt and they began their family.  It was then that she began her career as a housewife and most importantly a mother. She was a member of the Folkston United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her three daughters: Karen Gantt Lloyd (Bo) of Folkston, Dara Gantt Conkle (Greg) of Ft. Payne, Al., and Lorrie Gantt Davis (Scott) of Laredo, Tx.; one son: Mark Richard Gantt (Patti) of Folkston; eight grandchildren: Brad Adrian Lloyd (Carrie), Reed Matthew Lloyd, Brittany Nicole Gantt Sawyer (Zac) , Mark Richard Gantt, Jr., Richard Kyle Conkle, Spencer Clay Conkle, Talbot Alexander Davis, and Traci Lloyd Scarbrough; four great-grandchildren: Jason David (JD) Scarbrough, Lane Adrian Scarbrough, Seth Anthony Scarbrough and Liam Adrian Lloyd; several Nieces, Nephews and other relatives.
The family will receive friends Monday, January 13, 2014 at the funeral home from 5 until 7 PM. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Folkston United Methodist Church with Rev. Jack Varnell officiating. Burial will follow in Pineview Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest register at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home, Folkston, Georgia.